As we await the next, and likely final, move by Black Sabbath, its frontman is gearing up for his next work. Today (Aug. 30), we have learned that Ozzy Osbourne is currently working on a new solo album, his first since 2010′s Scream.
The news didn’t come directly from the singer, but rather Sylvia Rhone, the president of Epic Records, who was on hand at the label-run Epic Fest in Los Angeles, which featured a set by Osbourne. Although she wasn’t willing to provide any specific details of the project, she was happy to tease Billboard by saying, “It’s going to be a really special album. It’s going to be amazing, it’s something Ozzy has never done before that he’s always wanted to do.”
So what does this mean for Black Sabbath? Back in April, Osbourne said that they were going to make one last record in 2016 — the follow-up to 2013′s 13 – and embark on a high-profile farewell tour. Whether or not Osbourne’s new solo album pushes the Sabbath finale back any further has yet to be determined.Sabbath had been scheduled to headline Ozzfest Japan in November, but that was changed to an “Ozzy and Friends” date, with the “friends” being Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler and a three-guitar attack of Tom Morello, Zakk Wylde and Dave Navarro. A drummer has not yet been named for this concert.
On Halloween night, Osbourne, Butler and Morello, with Slash, will be making a headlining appearance at the VooDoo Music + Arts Experience in New Orleans.
